Multi-position track width sensor for self-propelled agricultural sprayers

Abstract

A multi-position track width sensor for agricultural sprayers wherein a piston rod position sensor is connected to each of the adjustable axle members of the front and rear axle assemblies of the sprayer. A display panel is mounted in the cab of the sprayer and includes LEDs which indicate various positions of the piston rods with respect to the respective cylinder.

1. In combination:
 an adjustable track width vehicle; 
 said vehicle including a chassis having front and rear ends, and opposite sides; 
 a front axle assembly at the front end of said chassis; 
 a rear axle assembly at the rear end of said chassis; 
 each of said front and rear axle assemblies being selectively extendable in a longitudinal direction between a first and second position; 
 each of said front and rear axle assemblies including a tubular axle housing having a pair of telescoping axle members mounted therein with each of said axle members having a hydraulic cylinder connected thereto for moving the associated axle member with respect to the respective axle housing to adjust the track width of the vehicle; 
 each of said axle members having a wheel connected thereto; 
 each of said hydraulic cylinders including a cylinder having a piston slidably mounted therein and a piston rod secured to said piston which slidably extends from said cylinder; 
 each of said hydraulic cylinders having a piston rod position sensor associated therewith; 
 each of said piston rod position sensors being connected to a piston rod position display panel on the vehicle; 
 each of said piston rod position sensors comprising an elongated housing having a sensor slide longitudinally movably mounted therein; 
 said elongated housing being fixed with respect to the respective cylinder; 
 said sensor slide being secured to the respective piston rod for movement therewith; 
 said elongated housing having a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart, normally open proximity switches positioned therein; 
 said sensor slide having a magnet affixed thereto which is adapted to sequentially close said switches as said sensor slide moves with said piston rod relative to the respective cylinder; 
 each of said switches being electrically connected to a visual indicator on the piston rod position display. 
 
   
   
     2. In combination:
 an adjustable track width vehicle; 
 said vehicle including a chassis having front and rear ends, and opposite sides; 
 a front axle assembly at the front end of said chassis; 
 a rear axle assembly at the rear end of said chassis; 
 each of said front and rear axle assemblies being selectively extendable in a longitudinal direction between a first and second position; 
 each of said front and rear axle assemblies including a pair of telescoping axle members with each of said axle members having a hydraulic cylinder connected thereto for moving the associated axle member with respect to said chassis to adjust the track width of the vehicle; 
 each of said axle members having a wheel connected thereto; 
 each of said hydraulic cylinders including a cylinder having a piston slidably mounted therein and a piston rod secured to said piston which slidably extends from said cylinder; 
 each of said hydraulic cylinders having a piston rod position sensor associated therewith; 
 each of said piston rod position sensors being connected to a piston rod position display panel on the vehicle; 
 each of said piston rod position sensors comprising an elongated housing having a sensor slide longitudinally movably mounted therein; 
 said elongated housing being fixed with respect to the respective cylinder; 
 said sensor slide being secured to the respective piston rod for movement therewith; 
 said housing having a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart, normally open proximity switches positioned therein; 
 said sensor slide having a magnet affixed thereto which is adapted to sequentially close said switches as said sensor slide moves with said piston rod relative to the respective cylinder; 
 each of said switches being electrically connected to a visual indicator on the piston rod position display. 
 
   
   
     3. In combination:
 an adjustable track width vehicle including a chassis having a front, a rear, and opposite sides; 
 a wheel assembly at the front and rear on each side of said chassis; 
 a hydraulic track width adjustable cylinder connected to and extending between said chassis and each of said wheel assemblies; 
 each of said hydraulic track width adjustment cylinders comprising a cylinder body having a piston rod movably extending therefrom which is movable between extended and retracted positions; 
 each of said wheel assemblies being moved laterally outwardly with respect to said chassis as the associated hydraulic track width adjustable cylinder is extended and being moved laterally inwardly with respect to said chassis as the associated hydraulic track width adjustment cylinder is retracted; 
 the actuation of said hydraulic track width adjustable cylinder causing the track width of said vehicle to be varied; 
 each of said hydraulic track width adjustment cylinders having a piston rod position sensor associated therewith; 
 each of said piston rod position sensors connected to a piston rod position display on the vehicle; 
 each of said piston rod position sensors comprising an elongated housing having a sensor slide longitudinally movably mounted therein; 
 said elongated housing being fixed with respect to the respective cylinder; 
 said sensor slide being secured to the respective piston rod for movement therewith; 
 said housing having a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart, normally open proximity switches positioned therein; 
 said sensor slide having a magnet affixed thereto which is adapted to sequentially close said switches as said sensor slide moves with said piston rod relative to the respective cylinder; 
 each of said switches being electrically connected to a visual indicator on the piston rod position display. 
 
   
   
     4. The vehicle of  claim 3  wherein the vehicle includes an operator's station and wherein said piston rod position display is visible from said operator's station. 
   
   
     5. The vehicle of  claim 3  wherein the vehicle includes an operator's cab and wherein said piston rod position display is positioned within said operator's cab. 
   
   
     6. The vehicle of  claim 3  further wherein each of said hydraulic track width adjustment cylinders is controlled from within said operator's cab. 
   
   
     7. The vehicle of  claim 3  wherein each of said piston rod position sensors are selectively removably mounted on said hydraulic track width adjustment cylinders.